Dec 16 Brides Against Winter Bugs

Winter weddings are becoming more and more popular as a time of year for getting married. From the beautiful winter berry bouquets, bridesmaids clad in faux fur boleros and even the chance of snow, it’s easy to see why engaged couples are opting for this magical time of year to tie the knot! As I write this blog I am recovering from a winter chest infection and I must say, it has knocked me for six. Therefore, it did get me wondering how a soon-to-be bride can avoid the same fate. Just imagine feeling run down with cold on your special day after all the planning, hard work, blood, sweat and tears that you have put into the preparations (and that’s just the seating plan!). So, without further ado I have put together some advice on how to stay healthy so you are sipping cool champagne from a beautiful flute on your wedding morning and not a hot lemsip from a mug!

First note is kind of obvious but needs to be done. Eat right, drink lots of water and take a multi vitamin. By adding lots of immune system boosting veggies and yummy herbal teas you are giving your body a brilliant defence against those nasty winter bugs. Also as an added bonus for getting your 5 a day and consuming plenty water, your hair, skin and nails will be stronger, shinier and more radiant in time for the day that you want to be feeling your absolute best.

Keep a positive mental attitude. If you are a worrywart and stressed out, you may be subconsciously sending out unhealthy vibes to the universe and in turn may be inviting bad health back in. When you are stressed it's easier for you to get run down, so stay calm and relaxed. Not only will your bridesmaids thank you for being a lovely bride-chilla, you are sure to enjoy the planning process even more if you don’t sweat the small stuff. There’s no need to lose your head if your cousin Bessie can only eat vegan, lactose free, grass fed quorn. Let your caterer figure that one out.

Keeping active is a huge stress reliever and will aid in you having a peaceful nights sleep. Any bride can tell you that they spent many a sleepless night stressing over centrepieces in the dead of night and waking up in a sweat after having a nightmare that the dress wouldn’t zip up! So, get moving! Whether it be a brisk walk, gym session or a yoga class, your body will be getting stronger and healthier and who knows… you might even shift a couple of pounds in the process and there won’t be a dark circle in sight!

Finally don’t spread yourself too thin (and this is coming from someone completely guilty of this)! As if life isn’t busy enough with work, family, friends and all other crazy commitments we have, getting married can be a huge project to undertake. So, if like me you aren’t lucky (or rich) enough to hire a Jennifer Lopez style wedding planner you can always pull on the talents and skills of your loved ones. If you have a friend that is crafty and offers to help glue hessian ribbons to mason jars - let them! Also don’t forget the groom can be given some jobs to do. It is his day too and he can be counted on to do more than choose a best man. Just learn to accept help when it is offered and don’t be afraid to ask either. Getting all your girlfriends round for a night of writing invitations is a great chance for a catch up and shares the calligraphy load. Just don’t have too many glasses of pinot griot and end up with dodgy smudged envelopes that look like you hired your 3 year old niece to write for you!

Above all, if you do succumb to a winter bug, try to not let it get you down. Get your bridesmaids to be on medication stand by, get as much rest and fluids as possible, and enjoy your wedding - you won't do it again!